Some years ago, I came across a beautiful print. As soon as I saw it, I was hooked and had to have it. There was just something that captivated me and I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. I brought it home that evening (frame, mat, and all) and since then, it has endured through my many moves and it has always adorned the wall of my favorite room in the house.

I would often stare at this painting for… well, let’s just say a long time. Not sure why - maybe it’s because of the colors, or maybe it’s because I wondered what she was looking at into the distance. So many thoughts and emotions have crossed my mind and then one day, I decided to write down my thoughts while looking at it. I called it “Darling Bad”.

As I prepare the insight of the song which eventually came from the thoughts I had written about the print, I suddenly realized I didn’t even know the name of the artist or the name of the painting my print was taken from *blush* *sigh*. Well, as it turns out, the artist is a Chinese painter named Ting Shao Kuang. What a lovely surprise as I am 1/2 Chinese, not to mention the painting is not very typical of eastern art, and moreover, the name of his painting is called “Distant Dreams”, which infers so much of what I felt and wrote, although I didn’t call it that *LOL*.

Well, “Distant Dreams” is the inspiration for my song “Darling Bad”. Oh, before I end this, I’d like to say that my friend, guitarist Bob Rafkin, once again did his magic and played such a beautiful nylon guitar part on this song.

I came across this video today… 

Not too long ago, I co-wrote the song “She’s So Lonely” with my friend Hugo, and with immense artistic and musical collaboration with my producer, Rick McComas, the song came to life and has remained one of my favorites on the “In This Trance” CD. Needless to say, it was decided very early on that we would make a video for “She’s So Lonely”.

While planning the video shoot, I got news that Hugo was coming to the States (from France), and I thought what wonderful timing and wouldn’t it be amazing if he could be in the video, too? Well, I was lucky that everything was on my side and a few days after he arrived in the States, he flew to the west coast and we met up in Las Vegas and began shooting one of the scenes. What an incredible time I had.

So here it is, the “She’s So Lonely” video… enjoy!

I love going to Vegas to see shows. Really any kind of show is usually a satisfying escapism. Even a lot of cover bands in Vegas are over-the-top. Gotta love Vegas!

When “Ice: Direct From Russia” first opened, I remember seeing skaters in distinctive costumes, roller skating up and down the Las Vegas Strip as they handed out discount cards for their show. It was quite an amazing sight.

After two years since its debut, I finally made my way in to the Versailles showroom at the Riviera. I was a little surprised to see that the old style seating still existed, but who cares, I was there to see the show.

“Ice: Direct from Russia” is an ice skating show with acrobatic and aerial performances. Though it isn’t your typical Las Vegas extravaganza, I really enjoyed it. The music is awesome, mostly tracked with an occasional musician accompaniment. The costumes are exotically beautiful. The choreography has a nice, romantic feel, and the performers are (how shall I say it) noticeably beautiful people who perform wonderfully with several standout performances. I am glad I finally saw it.

Every year on Memorial Day Weekend, there’s a huge arts and crafts fair in Downtown Hermosa Beach. It has grown since the first time I went years ago. The streets are lined with spectacular works of art… paintings, photographs, jewelry, sculptures, handmade furniture – you get the picture. Oh, did I mention lots of music, too? It’s always a wonderful time and I always like to walk away with some kind of memento… usually art.

This year, I got a really unique shirt hand made in Nepal. It’s black and red with a very nice design, a bit traditional, yet it has a hint of rock n’ roll, and it has the kind of long sleeves that I like so much. I couldn’t resist, especially when it goes so perfectly with the new red shoes that I got a few days before. I am thinking this will make a wonderful stage outfit

I just found out that my first single “Forgive Me” from the In This Trance CD, is the #1 most requested new hot spins on *YAY*.  When I spoke to Program Director Billy Dee about a week ago (when it was #4), he told me that people really like the song and the record report is derived directly from their listeners’ requests.  Oh my goodness, I am so happy, especially when radio campaign hasn’t started full force yet.

This song is very personal to me and it’s wonderful to know that other people can connect to it as well.

If you’d like to send me a comment about anything, please feel free to leave it here. I will be checking this often and would love to hear from you. I will always try to respond quickly.

Love,
Tima

Today we launched my new website.  It has a blog and everything.  Of course you know that because you’re reading this *haha*.  I am going to be using this a lot so I hope you will stop by often and see what I’m up to… Hopefully, this will help me stay out of trouble.

I’d love to hear your feedback on the new website.  Feel free to drop me a line.

Love, Tima

“In This Trance” has been released. So many musicians helped me on this new CD and I am so excited to share this new collection of songs with you. Click here to listen to songs, read lyrics, see some graphics, etc. This is a Limited Edition with special packaging. Get your copy while they’re available.

Love,
Tima